1. College Planning Timelines and checklists Webinar Presenters Marion Meadows, College Advisor, I Know I Can mmeadows@iknowican.org Kate Webster, Counselor,Columbus City Schools kwebster4146@columbus.k12.oh.us Webinar Moderator: Linda Knicely, Ohio College Access Network knicelyl@ohiocan.org

2. All webinar attendees are muted by default. There are two ways to ask questions during the webinar – you may “raise your hand” and the organizer will unmute you to ask your question to the group OR you can chat your question – privately to the organizer or publicly to the entire audience. Due to the amount of material we are covering in this webinar, we will hold questions to the end. This webinar will be recorded. Instructions about how to access the recording will be provided at the end of the webinar. Introduction and housekeeping details

3. Research shows... That students who know and complete the steps outlined in the next slides, specific to each grade level, are far more likely to enroll in a post-secondary educational institution. These include:  Selecting and successfully completing rigorous coursework  Engaging in school, including co and extra-curricular experiences  Taking the recommended college entrance exams: EXPLORE, PLAN, PSAT, ACT, SAT and doing their best on them!  Visiting college campuses and attending other college outreach programs  Completing college applications  Completing the FAFSA  OWNING their high school experience!

4. Sixth Grade College Planning Checklist Go to school every day. You can’t learn if you’re not there. Finish your homework and develop good study habits to get the best grades you can. Read books, magazines and newspapers regularly. College bound students read one book per month outside of class assignments. Practice your spelling, grammar and writing skills. It will pay off when you need to write your college essays. Use the computer to help you with class projects, homework assignments or your college planning. Participate in academic enrichment programs or camps during school and summer breaks. Talk to your counselor for more details. Look over your Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) scores so you can see what subjects you excel in and what areas you need to work on.

5. Sixth Grade College Planning Checklist, con’t. Start saving money for college. Even though you might not have much of an income yet, get into the habit of saving even a little of what you do have. Ask your parents to look into saving money for college through a 529 plan or an Individual Development Account (IDA, for CCS students) which allows them to invest in your education tax free. Talk to people you know who attend college. Ask them what it’s like. Ask what they had to do to get there. Ask them to help you get there. Create a college binder where you’ll keep track of your goals, ideas and aspirations over the next several years as you start planning for college. Make a list of school activities that interest you and add them to your college binder. Ask a teacher or counselor to help you get involved. Visit iknowican.org for more strategies and tips on how to complete this list.

6. Seventh Grade College Planning Checklist Go to school every day. Good attendance helps you get good grades. Commit to at least 30 minutes a day of reading outside of class assignments. Add different subjects and careers that interest you to your college binder. Write down questions and facts about each. Talk to adults who have careers you’re interested in. Improve your outlining and note-taking skills while you are in class and doing homework. Get organized with a planner and folders to keep track of assignments and class papers. Get involved in school activities that interest you or in your community. Ask a teacher or counselor for help.

7. Seventh Grade College Planning Checklist, con’t. Use the computer to help with class assignments and projects. Participate in academic enrichment programs. Ask your counselor about these options. Review this year and last year’s Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) scores and set goals for how you can improve in the 8th grade. Find a mentor or caring adult with whom you can meet regularly. Talk to them about your goals and have them help you plan ways to reach them. Save money for college. Start collecting coins and putting them in a piggy bank, this will add up faster than you think. Make friends with classmates who also plan to go to college. Share your college goals with one another. Visit iknowican.org for more strategies and tips on how to complete this list.

8. Eighth Grade College Planning Checklist Complete and turn in every homework assignment on time. Get help if you need it. There are no excuses when you get to college. Do the best you can in all of your classes. Make sure you know which classes this year will show up on your high school transcript. Talk to your counselor. Don’t be afraid of the challenging courses. Enroll in courses that prepare you for college—Math, Science, Foreign Languages, English, Social Studies and Fine Arts. Limit the amount of video games you play, TV you watch and time you spend on the phone. When you do watch, explore educational programs on history, science and the arts. It’s an easy and interesting way to learn something new. You can also use the Internet to find out more about what’s going on in the world. Get involved in school activities that you enjoy and that matter to you. Think about becoming active in your community as well. Use your planner to keep track of important deadlines, meetings and assignments. Keep important documents in a folder so they don’t get lost. Practice outlining and taking notes when you are reading. When you finish reading an assignment, summarize what you have read. In addition to class assignments, read as much and as often as you can—books, magazines and newspapers.

9. Eighth Grade College Planning Checklist, con’t. Participate in summer enrichment programs. Research them on the Internet and ask your counselor for details. Deadlines are usually in the spring. Be familiar with your Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) scores over the past three years and use them to help you prepare for your high school classes. Conduct more research for your college binder on subjects, careers and activities that interest you. Go to the library, get on the Internet or talk to an adult at school to learn more about these topics. Save for college. Try to increase your weekly or monthly goal. Consider opening a savings account at a bank to keep your college fund safe. Enroll in the Save Smart Jr. IDA program through I Know I Can (IKIC). CCS students are required to complete 120 internship hours to graduate from high school. Ask your counselor about internship opportunities and keep track of these hours in your college binder. Visit iknowican.org for more strategies and tips on how to complete this list.

10. Middle School – CCS Student Notes (After each year) Plan a meeting(s) with teachers, counselors and parents regarding course selection for the following year. If sixth grade students want to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade, they need to plan to take pre- algebra in seventh grade. Seventh graders should consider starting a foreign language in eighth grade, and they should plan for a high school-level fine/performing arts class during eighth grade. Also, for 8 th grade: Visit prospective high schools. Investigate your academic and extracurricular programs to find the best match. Make sure to apply for all high school lotteries (beginning in January) that are open to you if you want to have the option of attending a school other than your home high school.

11. Ninth Grade - August Welcome to high school! This is officially your first year of high school and all of your grades will be included on your high school transcript. Choose classes that are challenging. They prepare you and look good on your college applications. If you need or want a change to your schedule, see your counselor ASAP! Make a good first impression on your teachers- start strong with good behavior and completed assignments. Attempt all assignments (there’s a huge difference between a 0% and a 50%). Consider attending Blueprint College workshops with your parents. Visit the I Know I Can site for more information: www.iknowican.org/blueprinths.aspx.www.iknowican.org/blueprinths.aspx If you are an athlete, make sure you understand what you need to do to remain eligible, and review the NCAA Eligibility Center information for what you must do NOW to be eligible for future collegiate athletics!

12. Blueprint: College High School

13. Ninth Grade - September Have discussions with your teachers and counselor about your future. They are great resources and will write your recommendations for college and jobs. Find out when they are available for extra help- strong students seek help. Attend Open House with your parents. Get involved! Choose at least 1-2 extra-curricular activities. Get involved in your community too. These activities build your resume, prepare you for careers and increase your chances for scholarships. Attend college fairs (see the 2012-1013 College Fair Calendar). Talk to your teachers/counselor about your progress. Make a plan NOW to achieve your goals.

14. Ninth Grade - October Visit www.act.org/explore/pdf/ExploreSample.pdf to prepare for the EXPLORE test,www.act.org/explore/pdf/ExploreSample.pdf Think about careers that interest you and talk with people in those fields. All 9 th graders take the EXPLORE test on October 17 (2012) Use your Naviance Family Connection to help you research. You can access this at home! Begin to research general information on colleges and universities you are considering. Get in the habit of reviewing admission requirements for the colleges you might consider upon graduation. Make certain the courses you have chosen and their academic level are consistent with these requirements.

15. Ninth Grade - November Keep developing your interest in extra-curricular and community activities. Colleges look for students who are involved, who have a highly developed talent or skill, and who have attained leadership positions. Fill out the Activity Log (you can find this in the Documents section of your Family Connection site). Include all awards and honors you receive, and lists of all school and community clubs/organizations including all offices you hold. Keep a portfolio/CD/DVD of any exemplary artistic, scientific, writing etc. work. Attend Parent/Teacher conference with your parents.

16. Ninth Grade - January Strive for academic excellence and regular school attendance which will result in an exemplary academic record. Attempt all assignments. Study every day! If you are having difficulty, get help from a teacher, tutor or mentor. Review your EXPLORE results with your counselor. Find out what you need to do to prepare for future tests (OGT, ACT and SAT) and how to improve your test scores. Learn to type and word process (at a minimum), and improve your ability to take notes and prepare for exams. Meet with your counselor and discuss your high school plans.

17. Ninth Grade - February Know how to calculate your grade point average (GPA) and how colleges interpret it. Attend Parent/Teacher conferences with your parents. Attend a regional Earning College Credits in High School meeting (dates and times TBA).

18. Ninth Grade – March and April Create an academic plan for the rest of high school and make sure you schedule 10 th grade classes that prepare you for your college and career goals. Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities so that you will know far in advance of your senior year what is expected of you. Learn the specifics about financial aid such as grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Check out the total cost of attendance for a college that interests you. Start and maintain a savings account. Every bit helps! Enroll in the IKIC Save Smart Jr. IDA program if you have yet to do so. Look for summer enrichment programs held on college campuses. Colleges look for students who use their summers to develop themselves academically and socially. (April-May) Finish the year strong. Study for final exams. Continue to seek help from your teachers.

19. Ninth Grade – May & Summer Schedule summer classes for any courses that you failed or want to retake. Do not wait. Waiting only puts you farther behind! You can still improve your GPA and knowledge base if you start early. Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer!!! Quality is more important than quantity. Choose something you like and stick with it! Read! Read what you like, just read! It will pay off.

20. Tenth Grade - August Discuss college plans with your parents and high school counselor. If you need or want a change to your schedule, see your counselor ASAP! Continue to participate in extra-curricular and community activities. Make a good first impression on your teachers- start strong with good behavior and completed assignments. Attempt all assignments (there’s a huge difference between a 0% and a 50%). Consider attending Blueprint College workshops with your parents. Visit the I Know I Can site for more information: www.iknowican.org/blueprinths.aspx.www.iknowican.org/blueprinths.aspx If you are an athlete, make sure you understand what you need to do to remain eligible, and review the NCAA Eligibility Center for what you must do NOW to be eligible for future collegiate athletics.

21. Tenth Grade - September Continue to review admission requirements for the colleges you might consider attending upon graduation. Prepare for the PLAN (preACT in October). See the link on your Naviance Family Connection. Get ready for the Spring OGT! Free online test prep is available at http://ogt.success-ode-state- oh-us.info/studentsOGT.htm.http://ogt.success-ode-state- oh-us.info/studentsOGT.htm Have discussions with your teachers and counselor about your future. They are great resources and will write your recommendations for college and jobs. Find out when they are available for extra help- strong students seek help. Attend Open House with your parents. Get involved! Continue to participate in at least 1-2 extra-curricular activities. Get involved in your community too. These activities build your resume, prepare you for careers and increase your chances for scholarships. Plan how to take leadership roles. Attend college fairs (see the 2012-1013 College Fair Calendar). Talk to your teachers/counselor about your progress. Make a plan NOW to achieve your goals.

22. Tenth Grade - October Take the PLAN (which will predict how you would do on the ACT) on October 17. Explore your options for future courses. Consider a program at one of the career centers. Use your Naviance Family Connection to help you research. You can access this at home! Continue to research general information on colleges and universities you are considering. Get in the habit of reviewing admission requirements for the colleges you might consider upon graduation. Make a calendar and to-do lists to keep up with your assignments/ important dates.

23. Tenth Grade - November Keep developing your interest in extra-curricular and community activities. Colleges look for students who are involved, who have a highly developed talent or skill, and who have attained leadership positions. Update your Activity Log (you can find this in your saved documents or begin a new one by clicking on the Documents section of your Family Connection site). Include all awards and honors you receive, and lists of all school and community clubs/organizations including all offices you hold. Keep a portfolio/DVD of any exemplary artistic, scientific, writing work. Attend Parent/Teacher conference with your parents. Sign up for and attend career center visits with your school.

24. Tenth Grade - December Look for opportunities to talk to college students home for the holidays, especially if they attend a school you are interested in attending. Catch up on assignments over winter break. Take career, personality and college inventories on your Naviance Family Connection site. Continue to review for the OGT.

25. Tenth Grade - January Continue to work diligently in the classroom and to improve your grades. Meet with your teachers and counselor for extra help and advice. Review your PLAN results with your counselor. Find out what you need to do to prepare for future tests (OGT, ACT and SAT) and how to improve your test scores. Get off to a strong start second semester- you are already halfway done! Meet application deadlines for career center programs.

26. Tenth Grade - February Know how to calculate your grade point average (GPA) and how colleges interpret it. Attend Parent/Teacher conferences with your parents. Attend a regional Earning College Credits in High School meeting (dates and times TBA). Find out how you can earn free college credits while you are still in high school!

27. Tenth Grade - March When you are signing up for classes for next year, make sure you are on track to graduate (listen to your counselor). Classes you sign up for should be challenging! Create an academic plan for the rest of high school and make sure you schedule 11 th grade classes that prepare you for your college and career goals. All 10 th -graders take the OGT. Arrive on time, rested and prepared to do your best! Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities so that you will know far in advance of your senior year what is expected of you. Learn the specifics about financial aid such as grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Check out the total cost of attendance for a college that interests you. Start and maintain a savings account. Every bit helps! Last chance to enroll in the IKIC Save Smart Jr. IDA program! Enroll Today! Look for summer enrichment programs held on college campuses (see your Family Connection site). Look now for summer jobs and internships. Colleges look for students who use their summers to develop themselves academically and socially.

28. Tenth Grade – April, May, Summer Finish the year strong. Study for final exams. Continue to seek help from your teachers. Create a resume in your Family Connection site for summer opportunities. Don’t have a summer job or enrichment program yet? Keep looking! Volunteer! Don’t just sit around and watch TV. Schedule summer classes for any courses that you failed or want to retake. Do not wait. Waiting only puts you farther behind! You can still improve your GPA and knowledge base if you start now. Also register to retake any parts of the OGT you still need to pass this summer! See your counselor to register for the summer OGT Institute and Test. Read! Read what you like, just read! It will pay off.

29. Eleventh Grade - September Work hard on grades this year! College admissions counselors will pay particular attention to your junior record. Attend college rep. visits, college open houses and college fairs throughout the year. You are invited! Attend college fairs. A full list will be posted on your Family Connection site and distributed in class meetings. Read the Senior Updates. Ask the senior counselor how to access these for your school. Prepare for the October PSAT, if you qualify to take the test, by using the practice booklet. Also go to your library, collegeboard.com, and number2.com for more free practice. See your counselor if you have questions about the PSAT. Complete your online Naviance activities for September: Junior Entrance Survey, Goal Setting and Activities Template update. Complete in class or check with your counselor.

30. Eleventh Grade – October & November Begin researching colleges. Talk to your parents about your options. OGT testing: late October (for students who still must pass certain sections). Attend tutoring sessions to prepare. Make a plan to take the SAT and ACT in the spring. Refer to the testing companies’ web sites: www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.com. Sign up for SAT Question of the Day.www.actstudent.org www.collegeboard.com Keep working on grades! Attend any senior college financial aid workshop that may be held at your school. Enroll in the Save Smart Sr. IDA program and earn $1500 for college

31. Eleventh Grade – December & January Happy holidays! Complete the College Supermatch activity in your Naviance Family Connection account and add three colleges to your “Colleges I Plan to Apply To” list. Don’t forget to consider 2-year degree programs, the military and apprenticeships. Register to take both the ACT and the SAT – most students do better on one than the other. Plan to take both of these tests (not just practice tests) this year! Also, check to see if colleges you’re interested in require SAT Subject Tests. Take these in the spring this year too. Register NOW for spring dates. See your counselor or IKIC advisor about test fee waivers if you are on the Free/Reduced lunch list.

32. Eleventh Grade - February REGIONAL POST SECONDARY Enrollment Options Meetings – Attend one of the regional CCS meetings if you are interested in taking college classes next year. You must attend one of these meetings and sign a form by March 30 to be eligible for PSEO during your senior year- do not wait until you get your senior schedule! Meeting the March 30 deadline does not obligate the student to participate, but it is necessary for eligibility. Letters with dates, times and locations will be mailed home. Make plans to visit colleges during spring break. Try to visit while college classes are in session.

33. Eleventh Grade - March Keep working on grades and reading school bulletins and junior letters. Attend a Regional PSEO meeting if interested and did not attend in February. Sign up for summer scholar/enrichment programs. Visit colleges during spring break. Call ahead to schedule for interviews. Check online for information about each school. Start researching! Complete Naviance Family Connection activities: Finish any career inventories and match career goals to senior class schedule and college majors. Request the most challenging senior courses that you can successfully tackle. Meet individually with your counselor if you have questions.

34. Eleventh Grade - April JUNIOR COLLEGE NIGHT at your school for juniors and their families (Date: TBA) Register for the June ACT and/or the June SAT if you have not yet taken these tests! Do not wait until the fall. Fall is the time to retake the tests after you review weak areas. Don’t forget to check with your counselor or IKIC advisor if you are on Free/Reduced Lunch. Register on www.fastweb.com for early scholarship information.www.fastweb.com Consider taking a summer scholar program or arrange a job that will enhance your resume and/or help you save for college.

35. Eleventh Grade - May Keep visiting college campuses. Be prepared for interviews! Colleges will make decisions on three basic areas: your grades and rank, SAT and/or ACT scores, and the degree of difficulty of your courses. Your transcript and schedule will accompany your applications. Therefore, KEEP YOUR GRADES UP, prepare for the ACT and SAT tests and include challenging courses on your senior schedule! Register for summer school if you have failed/ are failing required courses!!! Register for the Summer OGT Institute and the Summer OGT Test if you still need to pass one or more parts of the OGT. Talk to your counselor about the possibility of graduating through the Alternative Pathway (are you eligible?). Finish Naviance Family Connection activities: Junior Exit Survey and Create a Resume

36. Eleventh Grade – June/Summer Take SAT and ACT tests in June. Register for the September ACT by the beginning of August. If you are on Free/Reduced Lunch, request a waiver from your counselor by June 11 th (counselors may not be available after this date in the summer). Visit colleges and review applications. Plan whom you will ask for recommendations and consider essay topics in applications. Narrow your list of colleges to five/six. Thoroughly read college web sites. Choose three or four schools that are likely to accept you, one or two that are a little more of a “reach,” and one that is a “sure bet.” In order to do this, check admissions criteria and profiles carefully for each school. Choose one school you know you can afford. Consider taking an ACT or SAT prep class to prepare you to retake these tests in the fall. Use the free www.number2.com site to prepare this summer!www.number2.com Get started on writing a personal statement/ college essay. Go to www.commonapp.org for essay prompts.www.commonapp.org DO NOT WAIT until fall to begin your college searches. Fall of your senior year will be a whirlwind!

37. Twelfth Grade - September Attend Senior Parent Meeting during Open House (Time TBA)! Applying to college is a complicated process that requires a TEAM effort. See you there! Register for October SAT and ACT tests NOW! Attend College Fairs – See Senior Updates for details. Sign up for and attend college rep. visits at high school. Narrow college list down to final 3-8 schools. Review online applications for selected schools; begin/continue essays. Write down due dates for application deadlines! Decide whom to ask for recommendations and ask them NOW! Read Senior Updates all year. Complete Counselor Recommendation Information packet (I will not write a recommendation without one!) See your counselor if you plan to apply Early Decision. Review and sign Senior Graduation Plans- review information distributed during classroom meetings. Students must sign plans!! Review transcripts (provided in class). Attend college open houses in the community and college visitation days. Review Senior Graduation Plans with parents. Sign up and begin VCAP courses not on senior schedule but still needed for graduation.

38. Twelfth Grade - October Register for November SAT. Make an appointment with your I Know I Can Advisor. Review transcript and credits with your counselor if you are in doubt. Follow procedure to have transcripts sent from Guidance Office Check college websites for applications and merit scholarships and their deadlines. Line up teachers for recommendations- give them Teacher Recommendation Request sheets and copies of your resume If applying for Early Decision, send application now. Begin filling out regular admission applications. Keep working on application essays- enlist help from English teachers. Attend application/essay workshops. Register for December SAT and ACT tests! If you are unsure of your plans, meet with your counselor to review your options after high school!

39. Twelfth Grade - November Attend VCAP classes after school/ during the day to earn credit for any required courses you have failed!!!!!! Complete essays and remainder of applications. Attend Parent/Teacher Conferences with parents. Attend Financial Aid Night at school during Parent/Teacher conference night- Exact time TBA Pay attention to application deadlines!!!!! Turn in applications to your counselor by November 21 st. See your IKIC advisor for application fee payments!!!! Fill out Transcript Requests (available outside Guidance Office)- turn in with applications Complete scholarship applications. Many can be found in the Senior Update and online on your Family Connection page!

40. Twelfth Grade - December Keep working on your grades. Meet December 1 deadlines for many university (Ohio U. and UC) scholarships and honors programs. Send applications if you have not already! Return financial aid paperwork (CSS PROFILE) for selective colleges. Make sure you have paid your Senior Dues! Review important financial aid letters from I Know I Can (CCS) and school mailed to every senior family. Enroll in the Save Smart Sr. program to earn $1500 for college

41. Twelfth Grade - January Attend senior class FAFSA meetings. Attend District Financial Aid Night (TBA) if you did not attend a financial aid night at your school. Complete taxes as soon as possible (needed for FAFSA) after W2 forms received. Attend I Know I Can FAFSA Night Workshop at any CCS high school with parents (Dates TBA on www.iknowican.org ).www.iknowican.org Complete all Financial Aid forms ASAP- better yet, submit your FAFSA online as soon as your taxes are complete (use IRS Data Retrieval tool to avoid Verification process)! Apply for scholarships!!! Review Senior Plans- meet with your counselor about any required courses you are currently at risk of failing. Keep a copy of all merit aid and scholarships offered by all colleges. Give copies of all scholarship offers to your counselor.

42. Twelfth Grade - February Request your counselor send mid-year reports to colleges if necessary. Supply all forms. Contact any colleges you have not heard from. Meet the February 15 FAFSA deadline for most colleges. Attend Parent/Teacher conferences with parents. AVOID SENIORITIS! Keep working on those grades. Meet with your counselor about other options after high school, including military, Americorps, apprenticeships, etc. if you are unsure about attending a 4-year college.

43. Twelfth Grade - March Keep applying for scholarships! Note due dates for acceptance responses and deposits due. Have conferences with parents and teachers to address any second semester failing grades in required courses. Keep copies of all financial aid award letters from colleges- give copies to your counselor. Make sure all forms are turned in to I Know I Can for the IKIC Founder’s Scholarship and I Know I Can Grant if you qualify. Don’t forget to give copies of all scholarships offers to your counselors through May.

44. Twelfth Grade - April Look for a summer job. Don’t wait- jobs are hard to find! Look over Financial Aid Award notices from colleges. See how much of your need your award will cover. Contact college financial aid for help understanding award. Look for additional sources of financial aid. Begin final selection based on acceptances and financial aid awards. Visit campuses still under consideration, if necessary. Watch your deadlines!!! Keep a copy of all merit aid and scholarships offered by all colleges- give to your counselor.

45. Twelfth Grade - May BEFORE MAY 1 ST !!! Decide on the one college you will attend. Send your tuition and housing deposits. Notify the other colleges that accepted you that you have selected another college. The rest of the month... Apply for necessary loans. Complete the Senior Exit Survey in your Naviance Family Connection. Fill out Final Transcript form. These forms will be distributed during a class meeting. Provide copies of all scholarship monies awarded to you. Your counselor must collect this information. Graduate. Congratulations!! Enjoy graduation and summer!!!

46. Communicating and Reinforcing College and Career Calendars with Students and Families Make the calendars available in a variety of settings and venues Distribute calendars in classroom guidance lessons; revisit calendars in later lessons Make calendars available at Open Houses, parent/teacher conferences and other school events Post the calendars in grade-level classrooms Post calendars at local community centers and libraries- make copies available Use the calendars on Naviance Family Connection welcome pages Post calendars on any school web site Collaborate with other school staff and community members to reinforce calendar information Ask parent consultants to include calendar updates in their family communications and meetings Encourage teachers to reinforce upcoming calendar items during grade- level classes Select upcoming items and provide to principals for school newsletters

47. Questions? Other recommendations? Thanks for attending this webinar. By Monday you will receive a link to the webinar recording AND a brief four question survey (link to SurveyMonkey) on which we could appreciate your input. Additionally, access to all recorded webinars is available through the OCAN website at www.ohiocan.org. (Click on “Resources”, then “Find Resources”. Each accompanying Power Point presentation can also be downloaded from this site. www.ohiocan.org